Five ways to get your kids active (ages 3 to 4)

Get going in the great outdoors

It may be more convenient to push your preschooler in a stroller, buckle her into a car seat, or plunk her in a shopping cart, but by immobilizing her you are, well, immobilizing her — a state that doesn't come naturally to a preschooler.

When you're not so pressed for time, let your preschooler roam freely (with you shadowing her, of course). One of the best ways to make sure your preschooler gets all the exercise she needs is to head outside, says David Bernhardt, a sports medicine pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Kids run, climb, hop, skip, and jump much more in the great outdoors than they do when stuck inside (where there are lots of admonitions to quit jumping on the couch).

So scout out some safe outdoor play places, bundle up your child if you have to, and bring along balls and a tricycle or bike with training wheels, and supervise her activities. Or better still, play ball, hide and seek, or a game of chase with her.

Bored with your local playing field, park, or playground? Head to the beach or lake to comb for hidden treasures, or hike a nature trail, keeping an eye out for curious creatures. After dinner, venture out for an amble in search of stars.

Shake, rattle, and roll

When getting outside seems impossible — it's pouring rain, your baby is sick, your preschooler is throwing a tantrum — then play some music and get dancing.

It needn't be a kiddie collection to get your youngster moving (we know preschoolers who are partial to the Talking Heads and the Jackson Five). Anything with a basic beat can do the trick. Get up and groove with your preschooler, and you'll both blow off some steam while you work out.

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